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Former fast bowler says Harmison 'not viable' for England

08/04/2008

Former England fast bowler Andrew Caddick has claimed Steve Harmison's current poor form does not make him a "viable" option for selection.

The Durham paceman, once among the most feared in world cricket, has endured something of a lull over the past few seasons, culminating in a woeful Ashes series in 2006/07 and disappointing away tours in Sri Lanka, and most recently New Zealand, in the last 12 months.

Harmison was dropped in favour of emerging seamer Stuart Broad for the second and third Tests against the Black Caps earlier this year.

The youngster performed well with both bat and ball as England bounced back from 1-0 down to win the series 2-1, which also highlighted the ineffectual performance of Harmison - who scored one run in two innings and took match figures of 1-121.

And Caddick, who took 234 wickets in 62 Tests for England since his debut in 1992, has cast doubt over Harmison's desire to play for his country.

"Does he want to play domestic cricket or work hard and play international cricket? The standard he is playing right now, he is not viable in the side," Caddick told BBC Radio Five Live.

"He frustrates me because he took over my spot and he can be a world player.

"If he is on song, like Freddie Flintoff, then he is unbeatable. He has so much to offer but he is just not fulfilling his potential."